Abstract: An apparatus for recording global positioning system co-ordinates of components of a utility, includes a portable controller having a memory and a global positioning system (GPS) co-ordinate device coupled to the controller. The GPS co-ordinate device dynamically provides GPS co-ordinates to the controller as positioning of the GPS co-ordinate device changes location. A display is associated with the controller. The display displays the GPS co-ordinates of the GPS co-ordinate device on a scrolling grid of global positioning system co-ordinates. A utility identifier database is housed in the memory of the controller. The utility identifier database contains numerous symbols. Each symbol represents a particular component of a utility. An input device is coupled to the controller for selecting the symbol from the utility identifier database which identifies the component of the utility.

Abstract: A method of locating an underground utility line. A first step involves securing transponders along a length of an underground utility line at regular spaced intervals. A second step involves interrogating the transponders to receive transponder signals. A third step involves ascertaining the position of the transponder signals and extrapolating positioning of the underground utility line from the transponder signals.

Abstract: A method of dynamically tracking a location of one or more selected utilities. A first step involves providing a portable controller having a memory. A global positioning system (GPS) co-ordinate device and a display are coupled to the controller. A second step involves storing in the memory of the controller a series of GPS co-ordinates for the one or more selected utilities within an assigned service area of a municipality. A third step involves using the GPS co-ordinate device to dynamically provide GPS co-ordinates to the controller as positioning of the GPS co-ordinate device changes. A fourth step involves using the display to display the GPS co-ordinates of the GPS co-ordinate device on a scrolling display of GPS co-ordinates, together with the series of GPS co-ordinates for the one or more selected utilities, such that the relative position of the GPS co-ordinate device to the one or more selected utilities is always known.

Abstract: A method of locating an underground utility line. A first step involves securing transponders along a length of an underground utility line at regular spaced intervals. A second step involves interrogating the transponders to receive transponder signals. A third step involves ascertaining the position of the transponder signals and extrapolating positioning of the underground utility line from the transponder signals.

Abstract: A method for determining positioning relative to utility lines. A first step involves providing a global positioning apparatus. A second step involves providing a processing unit with a display. The processing unit has stored in memory at least one geographical map depicting positioning of at least one utility line. A third step involves transferring data received from the global positioning apparatus to the processing unit and displaying on the display the positioning of the mobile machine relative to the at least one utility line on the at least one geographical map.

Abstract: A method for determining positioning relative to utility lines. A first step involves providing a global positioning apparatus. A second step involves providing a processing unit with a display. The processing unit has stored in memory at least one geographical map depicting positioning of at least one utility line. A third step involves transferring data received from the global positioning apparatus to the processing unit and displaying on the display the positioning of the mobile machine relative to the at least one utility line on the at least one geographical map.